Dallas–Fort Worth Fun: November Events in 2017

If you're in the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area in November, you've picked a great time to visit. Traditional Dallas events in November that are not to be missed include the AAA Texas 500 NASCAR race, Turkey Trot fun run, and the Dallas Cowboys football game on Thanksgiving Day. Christmas season moves into full swing with its many spectacular, awe-inspiring holiday light shows. Read on for a list of top things to do in Dallas in November.

The AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway is a wonderful way to enjoy the fast-moving excitement of NASCAR racing. This long-anticipated event is held every November in Fort Worth. Past winners have included Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, and Kurt Busch.

Celebrate the holidays like never before at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden's Holiday at the Arboretum, one of the best Christmas attractions in the South. Its spectacular 12 Days of Christmas light display can be seen in the evening Wednesdays through Sundays; it features 500,000 lights displayed around the garden and on historic homes, overhead canopies, and a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree. See more than 800 nutcrackers figures, visit the mistletoe kissing booth, and enjoy holiday tea at Restaurant DeGolye.

Many more special events are planned at the arboretum during the holiday season. Visit its website for more information.

It's an annual freeze fest when the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center presents hand-carved ice creations inspired by "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." This walk-through attraction in Grapevine features two million pounds of ice sculptures and five two-story-tall ice slides. There's also a full nativity scene made from ice.

The Home Festival began in 1976 when the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA staged a tour showcasing five distinctive and historic neighborhood homes as a fundraiser to purchase playground equipment for kindergarten children. It features a gala fundraiser and an intimate Saturday evening candlelight tour. Proceeds go to Lakewood Elementary, J.L. Long Middle School, and Woodrow Wilson High School.

Held each year in downtown Fort Worth, the Sundance Square Parade of Lights features more than 100 illuminated entries, marching bands, antique cars, and more. Santa will make a special appearance as will the Cowboy Santas, which is a group of volunteers who collect new, unwrapped toys along the parade route before the parade starts.

Street seats are available for a fee but there are also plenty of free viewing areas. The parade begins at 6 p.m. at the intersection of Weatherford Street and Houston Street.

Started in 1967, the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot is now the largest Thanksgiving Day event in the nation. More than 25,000 people participate in the 5K run/walk and 8-mile run. Dress like a turkey and head to Dallas City Hall in downtown for the 9 a.m. run. Proceeds benefit North Texas communities.

If your Thanksgiving Day tradition centers around the Dallas Cowboys, then pack up the family and head to AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The Dallas Cowboys play the Los Angeles Chargers at 3:30 p.m. CT on CBS. Country music singer Thomas Rhett will perform at halftime.

Prarie Lights, located in Grand Prairie, is a two-mile stretch of decorations and festive fun featuring more than four million lights, hundreds of displays, and a light show. About halfway through the drive, get out of your car to visit Holiday Village, which features photos with Santa, a snow maze, a lighted walk-through forest, snacks, and souvenirs.

Admission is based on vehicle size and the number of passengers. Prairie Lights is open Sundays through Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m. Visit during the week when the crowds are smaller.

For nearly 40 years, the town of McKinney has hosted Home for the Holidays, a festive Christmas event in historic downtown. It's complete with live entertainment, food galore, and a chance to finish all that holiday shopping in one place. Kids will love the petting zoo, photos with Santa, arts and crafts, costumed characters, Ferris wheel, carousel, SnowZilla, and Frosty's train. Don't miss the tree lighting ceremony at 6:15 p.m. on Friday on the MPAC lawn.

Don't miss North Texas' largest choreographed holiday lights and music show. Christmas in the Square, located in Frisco, features more than 175,000 lights and is visited by more than 750,000 people each year. Experience this beautiful attraction by car, foot, or carriage ride.

This free attraction is open nightly through the end of the year. Visit between 6 and 10 p.m.